THERMOFORMING
THERMOFORMING IS PROVING ITSELF A POPULAR MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUE, ESPECIALLY IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL PACKAGING SECTORS. TODD MCDONALD, GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING AT TEQ HIGHLIGHTS WHY.
THE HEAT IS ON
T
he global market for thermoforming plastics estimated at $35.4 billion in 2020 is now projected to reach a revised size of $51.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5.4% during the 2020–2027 period.1 The increasing demand for thermoformed plastics from the healthcare and pharmaceutical packaging sectors is a force driving the market growth over the forecast period. The growth has been triggered by a hike in demand during the COVID-19 global crisis (Figure 1).
Figure 1: TEQ started manufacturing COVID-19 testing kit trays earlier this year with a pledge that they offer ‘superior presentation’ and ‘enhanced component protection’.
Demand is expected to rise across different healthcare packaging types including blister foils, pumps, closures and rigid plastics. Demand will also grow for packaging in dietary supplements, such as vitamins and for other essentials such as allergy medication that consumers need during a lockdown, for instance. The advanced technology of thermoforming has established itself as a favourite manufacturing technique for many industries and applications, with a major benefit being cost efficiency. The stiffness of thermoformed packaging allows manufacturers to create smaller units, offering space-saving benefits; it also offers a barrier to odours, and resistance to oil and grease. Packaging from cleanroom thermoforming also has the capacity to offer advanced protection of medical devices, the importance of which cannot be underestimated as the quality of the packaging is as important as the medical device contained therein — once the packaging’s integrity is compromised, sterility is lost and the device is potentially ruined. THERMOFORMED PLASTIC PACKAGING OFFERS THE HEALTH SECTOR A RANGE OF ADVANTAGES: Accurate product orientation: For those occasions when a nurse has to grab a product, the ability to quickly confirm its orientation is reassuring. With a thermoformed tray, the medical device remains securely in place so it can be removed swiftly and confidently. Device handling assurance: To ensure a device doesn’t compromise sterility, a nurse may need to control a device’s movement as its package is opened. A thermoformed package is more likely to prevent any unnecessary rotation or accidental removal. Clarity of products: Thermoformed packaging enables a nurse to see and identify a product clearly so the device can be better presented. It also allows a nurse to spot any defects. Consistent opening experience: Incorporating a generous peal area in the package design allows a nurse an easy access point for pealing the lid back from the package.
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